‘Let me get this straight … You went around to Rochelle Stevens’ house last night and you broke in?’
Gabrielle Grey’s tone was a mixture of bewilderment and shock.
‘Yes,’ Adam conceded awkwardly.
Gabrielle continued to stare at him, trying to process this unexpected development. It was profoundly odd for Adam to see her standing in his office – their interaction had always been on her turf – but she had turned up unannounced twenty minutes ago. She had come hoping to track down Kassie, but had already got far more than she bargained for.
‘What time was this?’
‘Just after ten p.m.’
‘Do you know Rochelle?’
‘Professionally. We’ve met a few times and I often refer teenagers to her for addiction therapy.’
‘Is Kassie Wojcek one of her patients?’
‘Yes, I put them in contact a week ago. I told you that I felt it was important Kassie received treatment.’
Gabrielle was still looking directly at him, as if trying to read him. Though Adam had nothing to hide, he nevertheless felt tense.
‘Why did you go there last night?’
‘Kassie was determined to track her down, so I accompanied her. She was very worried about Rochelle and wanted to make sure she was ok.’
‘So you broke in to ask her?’ Gabrielle persisted, incredulous.
‘That was Kassie, not me. I would have waited until the morning, but –’
‘Is this something you regularly do with your clients? Breaking and entering –’
‘Rochelle wasn’t answering the door,’ Adam interrupted, irritated. ‘But she’d clearly made it home –’
‘How could you know that?’
‘We could see her bag and phone in the hallway.’
Adam knew it sounded bad – the pair of them peering through Rochelle’s windows before breaking in – but carried on, determined to guts this out.
‘Look, Kassie was convinced that something was wrong an—’
‘On what basis?’
This was the question he’d been dreading. Choosing his words carefully, Adam continued:
‘Kassie had the strong sense that Rochelle was about to be attacked … by the same person or persons who murdered Jacob Jones, so –’
‘She wanted to warn her?’
‘Yes,’ Adam replied, ignoring her sarcasm. ‘That’s why she followed her from the NA meeting.’
‘And did you ask her why she was so convinced that Rochelle was in danger?’
The question hung in the air for a moment, then:
‘She had … a kind of vision. During the therapy session.’
‘Another one? Does she have these visions daily or just when someone’s about to be cut into small pieces?’
‘Gabrielle, I’m trying to answer your questions honestly,’ Adam growled. ‘I’d appreciate it if you did me the courtesy of taking me seriously.’
‘And I’d appreciate it if you’d answer my question.’
‘Yes,’ Adam continued, testily. ‘She claims to have them every day. But we’ve only discussed the two concerning Jacob and Rochelle.’
Gabrielle digested this.
‘So, what happened when you were in the house?’
‘Nothing. Nothing at all,’ Adam insisted, aware he was sounding increasingly defensive. ‘We looked for Rochelle. She wasn’t there. We left.’
‘What time was this?’
‘Ten fifteen p.m. … ten twenty … we didn’t stay long.’
‘And you left together?’
‘No …’ Adam conceded. ‘I drove home. Kassie … I think Kassie spent the night on the “L”.’
‘The whole night?’
‘That’s what she told me.’
‘And where were you? After, say, ten thirty p.m.?’
‘I was at home, with my wife.’
‘All night?’
‘All night,’ Adam replied, riled.
‘Is there anyone else that can verify that?’
‘Not really. Unless a neighbour saw me coming back.’
Gabrielle said nothing, removing a small pad from her jacket pocket and making a few notes.
‘I’m not seriously a suspect, am I?’ Adam demanded.
‘I’m keeping an open mind.’
‘Oh, for God’s sake.’
‘You broke into Rochelle Stevens’ house last night. This morning we found her body.’
‘We were trying to help her.’
But he knew it sounded weak.
‘Where’s Kassie now?’ Gabrielle asked, ignoring his protest.
‘I don’t know. If she’s not at home, she might be at school.’
‘She’s not. The Principal told me she hasn’t been in for several days.’
‘Then your guess is as good as mine.’
Adam met her eye this time, determined not to look cowed. But Gabrielle seemed unaffected by his defiance, staring right back at him.
‘Tell me something,’ she said eventually. ‘Why were you at Rochelle’s last night?’
‘I’ve already explained that.’
‘You told me Kassie was worried about her. Why were you there?’
‘I wanted to prove to her that Rochelle was ok, that there was no reason to be concerned.’
‘So you revealed the address of a fellow professional to a client …’
‘It wasn’t like that –’
‘And not content with that, you accompanied your client to her house, where you promptly broke in and –’
‘Look, I shouldn’t have done it, I know that. But Kassie was convinced that Rochelle was in danger and as it turns out she was right.’
The words escaped before he could stop them. Immediately Adam wished he could take them back, but it was too late.
‘Oh. My. God.’
Gabrielle’s hand rose to her mouth, genuine surprise replacing suspicion.
‘You believe her, don’t you? You actually believe this girl is some kind … some kind of psychic?’
‘Of course not,’ Adam spat back.
‘What then?’
‘By encouraging her in her delusions?’
‘By listening to her. That’s the difference between you and me, Gabrielle. You instantly disbelieve everything you’re told. I don’t have that luxury. I have to work with what people tell me.’
‘You mean you have to swallow their lies.’
‘I have to listen to them, interpret what they say, then try to help them.’
‘If you could only hear yourself –’
‘Why would Kassie lie about this?’ Adam interrupted, his volume rising with his temper. ‘If she’s involved, why would she draw attention to herself by talking to me in the first place?’
‘That’s what I intend to find out.’
‘It doesn’t make any sense. She has no motive.’
‘That’s not true.’
‘Plus there’s no way she could have carried out the killings herself.’
‘Just how close are you to Kassie, Dr Brandt?’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘You seem very protective of her. And as I recall you’ve got form. Your wife was a patient of yours first, wasn’t she?’
‘Go to hell!’ Adam barked. ‘Kassie’s fifteen years old. What do you take me for?’
Gabrielle said nothing. All pretence at politeness was now gone. Adam and Gabrielle had rubbed along well in the past, but their working relationship now lay in ruins.
‘Thank you for your time,’ Gabrielle said suddenly, picking up her bag. ‘One of my team will be in touch to take a full, written statement. In the meantime, don’t go anywhere, ok?’
Adam nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Gabrielle turned as if to leave, then paused to deliver a parting shot.
‘I don’t know what’s going on here, Adam, but let me give you a piece of advice. Cut your ties with Kassie Wojcek today, go back to your day job and then …’ She locked her gaze on his. ‘… Take a long, hard look in the mirror.’